Toyota Hiace panel van - discontinued in the UK from 2012

As I reported in September, Toyota dropped the Hiace panel van from its range at the end of 2011.

The decision was due to a lack of Euro 5 engines, but given that Toyota has plenty of Euro 5 diesels in other vehicles, this decision makes you wonder if the real reason was its failure to compete with vans like the VW Transporter.

Although the Hiace benefits from Toyota’s usual excellent engineering and build quality, the cab lacks the car-like sophistication of the Transporter and even the latest Transit, and it has never been a big seller in the UK market.

Toyota has also announced that it is reducing the range of Dyna models available in the UK in 2012.

Toyota Dyna - this factory fit tipper body will not longer be available in the UK in 2012

The Dyna is a chassis cab based light truck: although its only available with gross weights from 3.0t – 3.5t, it is built like a small lorry, rather than a large van. This makes is rugged and ideal for demanding applications, such as waste collection and construction use.

Toyota is dropping the short wheelbase variant of the Dyna from its UK model range – only medium and long wheelbase models will be available and only one ready-bodied conversion will be offered; a long wheelbase dropside.

Toyota’s primary focus seems to be its popular Hilux 4×4 pick-up. The company has launched an updated model for 2012; an all-new model is expected in 2013/4.